Spinning multiple container containment rack

ABSTRACT

The spinning multiple container containment rack is a rack designed to support and contain up to four waste containers off the ground in an organized manner, comprising a stationary, or a free spinning rack body which rides on an element for rotation, placed on top a vertically anchored support post. The rack body comprises a central hub to which an assembly for supporting and containing different diameter waste containers connects to outside perimeter, comprising a bracket and containment ring, radiating out in four equal places. An adjustable hanging element connects in four equal places to bottom circumference of containment ring, creating a net like basket that molds to shape of container placed into it, for complete support of bottom and sides of waste containers, leaving only the top handles of waste containers exposed above containment ring, while still allowing for free movement of containers, for easy loading and unloading of rack. This rack also accepts different can dimensions by simply adjusting hanging elements up or down thus allowing rack to be utilized for other useful purposes such as an animal feeder, watering plants or seperating recylable waste.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] 860019 Jul., 1907 Davis 248/907 2175134 Oct., 1939 Smith 248/907 2522036 Sep., 1950 Haake 248/907 2596541 May, 1952 Farquharson 248/907 2937760 May, 1960 Williams 248/907 31130837 Apr., 1964 Baker 248/907 3527356 Sep., 1970 Herdy 3642145 Feb., 1972 Shelton 248/907 3696938 Oct., 1972 Sherman 248/145 3966052 Jun., 1976 Knaus 248/145 4517775 May, 1985 Engel 248/907 4856669 Aug., 1989 Averit et al. 51611561 Nov., 1992 Jamieson 5580015 Dec., 1996 Baker 248/907

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] N/A

REFERENCE TO SECQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

[0003] N/A

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of Invention

[0005] This instant invention relates generally to support holders, and characteristicaly to rotating stands, and more specifically it relates to a “Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack”, which is a free spinning rack that can contain up to four waste containers off the ground. The racks purpose is to stop unsightly and unsanitary conditions which are present when waste containers are over turned and contents scattered by uncontrollable elements. This instant invention achieves this with a free spinning easy loading rack, that when loaded keeps containers off the ground in an organized manner.

[0006] Through careful researching of class definitions a conclusion was reached that “Class 211 Supports: Racks “best defines the makeup and intended use of the Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack, where as in Class 211 Support Racks sections 1-class definition it states,” this class includes built up open framework structures designed to support articles. Racks in the nature of upright stands or standards are also included.”

[0007] The terms “racks” includes frame structures and supports having flexible supporting elements, such as strands or straps as the article supporting elements.

[0008] These class definitions clearly define the makeup and intended use of the Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack.

[0009] 211/71.01—Receptacle support device specially designed to support a means for holding or containing an article.

[0010] 211/1.53—Article support rotatable about spindle. Device comprising a generally rigid article support mounted for turning about an axis on a central bearing.

[0011] 211/1.55—Plural article supports. Device comprising more than one frame work, each adapted for carrying an article.

[0012] 211/1.56—Article support comprising chain or belt device wherein the framework comprises an endless loop article carrier.

[0013] 248/907—Trash container support. Collection of documents disclosing support structure which is partically adapted for supporting a refuse receptacle. Current U.S. Class: 211/1.53; 248/907 Intern'l Class: A47G 029/00 Field of Search: 211/74, 77, 78, 85.29, 248/131, 132, 149, 145, 146, 141 220/23.83, 909, 475, 911

[0014] 2.Description of Prior Art

[0015] Many examples of related prior art inventions have been given for support holders and racks, several demonstrating some characteristics, but none having the same capabilities as the Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack Examples given are U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,175,134 to Smith; 3,527,356 to Herdy; 3,642,145 to Shelton; 4,856,669 to Averitt et al; 5,161,561 to Jamieson and 5,580,015 to Baker.

[0016] Two of the prior art inventions mentioned below characteristically resemble the Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack, but have completely different working caopabilities which fall short of the performance obtained by the “Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack” due to several obvious problems with design. One example being, U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,015 to Baker, the trash receptacle is placed on a circular tray which has absolutely no side support for trash receptacle. This being a rotating stand, even if the can was tilted back on its axis the possibility still exist that an unknown element could knock over trash receptacles because the lack of side support of receptacles for example, high wind gusts from a major storm, or an excessive rate of rotation.

[0017] Another evident problem with this prior art invention is its inability to stop rotation of stand for stationary stand capability, since this prior art invention is intended to be used to feed animals off of it would be better suited for this purpose in a stationary position, and again the need for side support is evident to keep animals from toppling the feed containers.

[0018] A second example is U.S. Pat. No. 3,642,145 to Shelton. The trash receptacle is placed in a can holding frame that has no bottom support for bottom of receptacle. This probably worked well for the old steel cans of the past, but today's cans are less durable because most are made of plastics, support for bottom of can is a necessity. Also with no bottom support of trash receptacles in frame, the possibility exists for receptacle to get stuck in frame. This could damage receptacle during unloading procedure of rack Another problem with this instant invention is the absence of rotation elements, and its inability to be locked in a non-rotatable position.

[0019] The following examples are given for related prior art:

[0020] Smith, James Fred

[0021] Holder for Garbage Cans

[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 2,175,134

[0023] In a holder for garbage cans, a socket has a thimble. A pedestal is removably applied thereto. A plate is provided. A means is for coupling the plate and pedestal. A can is also provided that has a bottom. A means is for securing the plate to the bottom of the can. Radially extending slotted arms are movable on the mentioned means. A means is for connecting the arms at their outer ends to the can bottom.

[0024] Herdy, John B

[0025] Garbage Can Rack

[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 3,527,356

[0027] An anchor post mounts a refuse container rack. Actuator rods having a container cover mounted thereto are pivotally connected to the rack and are upwardly displaceable in response to a lifting force. The actuator rods include a latch member which is adapted to engage a keeper when actuator rods are displaced to a predetermined vertical position. Thus, may be deposited in a rack supported container without the necessity of holding a lid or cover. A gentle downward force on the actuator rods causes the lid to return to a container covering position.

[0028] Shelton, Ralph Edward

[0029] Refuse Can Support

[0030] U.S. Pat. No. 3,642,145

[0031] A support for a group of household garbage cans or the like comprises a plurality of frames normally radiating from a sleeve which is adjustable vertically on a post. Each frame is adapted to hold and individual can. Each frame is connected to the sleeve for collapsing to a depending, inoperative position when its can is removed.

[0032] Averitt, Chester C.

[0033] Byrne, Thomas R

[0034] Revolving Refuse Holder

[0035] U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,669

[0036] A concave shaped rigid member whose principle axis lies in the horizontal plane and is mounted on a post lying in a vertical plane. The concave member is adaptable for holding refuse bags or the like, at a height which is adjustable to provide insusceptibility for encroachment from animals. The concave member is provided with a means of rotation and drainage.

[0037] Jamieson, Bruce W.

[0038] Outdoor Service System

[0039] U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,561

[0040] An outdoor service system is disclosed which is comprised of a segmented pole. A plurality of fixed split thrust bearing parts are mounted on the pole. A split table is mounted on a rotatable thrust bearing part, which bears upon one of the fixed thrust bearing parts. A plurality of receptacles are detachably secured to a rotatable thrust bearing part, which is borne by one of the fixed thrust bearing parts. A parasol is mounted on a rotatable thrust bearing part which is borne by another one of the fixed thrust bearing parts. The disclosed outdoor service system further includes a pointed lowermost pole adapted to be driven into the ground A plurality of wings are pivotally mounted on the lowermost pole segment, whereby to prevent its withdrawal from the ground and to resist angular deflection of the pole when its lowermost segment is fully embedded in the ground.

[0041] Baker, George W.

[0042] Multiple Receptacle Rotating Stand

[0043] U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,015

[0044] A multiple receptacle rotating stand comprising a support post. An assembly is for anchoring a bottom end of the support post into the ground, so that the support post is in an upright position. A collar is placed onto a top end of the support post. An element is for rotating the collar about the top end of the support post. A structure extends from the collar, for supporting a plurality of trash receptacles off the ground, to prevent prowling animals, such as dogs, from tipping over the trash receptacles and spilling trash onto the ground The trash receptacles can also be utilized to separate the trash, such as glass, paper, metal, etc, so that the trash can be recycled Shallow containers cans also be used on the structure to feed animals, such as horses and the like.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0045] The spinning multiple container containment rack is a rotating rack capable of containing up to four waste containers off the ground in an organized manner.

[0046] The idea for this invention was developed after seeing the scattered contents of overturned waste containers and realizing that there was a need for a household waste containment system.

[0047] There are many advantages with invention over existing relative prior art, for example, the rotation stop pin which can be inserted through perfectly alligned appertures of sleeve and post to stop rotation of rack for stationary use.

[0048] Another advantage over existing relative prior art is the threaded rod which holds support post and rack body together, while still allowing for free spinning motion of rack.

[0049] And still a greater advantage over existing prior art is the adjustable hanging elements, when connected to containment ring to, form a net which molds to shape of can, completely supporting bottom and sides of containers leaving only handles of can exposed above containment ring. The supporting elements are adjustable to up and down positionins, allowing for the use of different dimensions of containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050]FIG. 1 is the perspective view of an assembled, working, “Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack,” and shows the rack loaded with waste containers, special attention drawn towards the adjustable hanging element support system and the racks ability to support and contain different dimensions of waste containers.

[0051]FIG. 2 is a plan view of rack and shows rack body assembly and parts.

[0052]FIG. 3 is a rack sectional view taken in the direction of arrows marked 3 FIG. 2. This sectional view shows container support system.

[0053]FIG. 4 is an enlarged broken away view of circled area of FIG. 3 and shows the rack body to support post connection procedure and racks the element for rotation.

[0054]FIG. 5 is a rack sectional view taken in the direction of arrows marked 5, FIG. 2. This sectional view shows rack support system.

[0055] FIGS. 6-10 is the “Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack,” in its disassembled form, and shows the many seperate pieces starting with FIG. 6 which shows support post and element for rotation. FIG. 7 is the hub and rack stop pin. FIG. 8 is support bracket. FIG. 9 is the waste container support and containment system. FIG. 10 is rack support pieces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0056] Referring now discriptively to drawings FIGS. 1-10, which shows an assembled, working, Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack, and also the seperate pieces that create this spinning rack 24 capable of supporting and containing up to four waste containers 16 & 17 of different demensions, off the ground in an organized manner.

[0057] The rack body 23 is made of many seperate pieces “FIGS. 7-10”, starting with hub 2 which is the center piece to which all the other seperate parts connect, starting with first four support brackets 3 which connect to outside perimeter of hub 2, radiating out from center of hub 2 in four equal spaces. Each bracket 3 supports a containment ring 4 which connects horizontally to bracket 3. Each containment ring 4 supports one adjustable supporting element 5, (pictured in drawings as link chain 21), which connects to circumference of containment ring 4 in four equal spaces to create a net like basket that molds to shape of waste container 16 & 17 placed into it.

[0058] The rack body 23 also has pieces designed for strengthening and supporting of rack body 23 which are the ring connecting brace 7, and the rack support rod 8 which support rack body 23 by connecting brace 7 horizontally, between each containment ring 4, then inserting bottom end of rack support rod 8 through aperture in center of ring connecting brace 7, and other end of support rod 8, which hooks through support eye clip 25 welded to hub 2, and puts rack support rod 8 at an upward angle and supports rack body 23.

[0059] The rack body 23, spins on a central bearing 6, located at top center of vertically mounted stationary support post 1 and bottom of hub 2.

[0060] The support post 1 is a rigid enlongated hollow tube 14 to which a post footing bar is placed through perfectly alligned appertures in bottom of post 1, then bottom of post 1 is set in previously dug hole to which concrete is poured to form footing 12.

[0061] If for any reason a nonspinning rack 24 is needed, a rack stop pin 11 is available, that when inserted through perfectly alligned appertures in upper post 1 and hub 2, stops the rotation of rack 24.

[0062] It is understood that there are many different types of elements for rotation that can be used to free spin rack body 23 on support post 1, such as roller bearings 6 and tefflon washers 6 which are used in this invention therefore this spinning rack 24 is equipped with a grease port and plug 18 to maintain bearing 6 performance, and is located at the top of hub 2.

[0063] The adjustable hanging elements 5 used for this version of the instant invention is made from four pieces of metal chain 21 connected together at one end to make a crossing pattern, but it is understood that many different elements can be used to serve the same purpose, such as rope, nylon strap, metal cable, etc. It is also understood that different types of hanging element adjustment methods can be used such as buckles, hooks, clasps, etc.

[0064] The material forming the spinning multiple container containment rack 24 can be of variable thicknesses, densities, and types, some being fiberglass, aluminum, or polyethylene. This spinning rack 24 being of many seperate individual pieces before being assembled, it is understood that many different methods of fabrication of integral parts may be used such as welding, bolting, riveting etc. This instant invention is adjustable for the many different dimensions of waste containers, therefore, a modification for the different molds of waste containers is not necessary. A right is reserved to modify any part of this spinning rack in the scope of the claimes of the instant invention described.

[0065] Operation of Invention

[0066] To use the Multiple Container Containment Rack the following steps should be followed:

[0067] 1. Insert post footing bar 13 through bottom of support post 1, and place in previously dug hole in ground.

[0068] 2. Pour concrete 12 until just below ground surface, check support post 1 with level for plumb, and let concrete 12 set until curred.

[0069] 3. Place rotating element 6 on upper capped surface of support post 1, and slide hub 2 over support post 1 one within another, until bottom surface of hub 2 rides on rotating elements 6.

[0070] 4. Place nut on support post to rack body connecting bolt 19, and tighten until nut stops turning,

[0071] 5. Connect four support brackets 3 to hub 2.

[0072] 6. Connect four containment rings 4 horizontally to brackets 3.

[0073] 7. Connect four ring connecting braces 7 horizontally between each containment ring 4, connecting all four containment rings 4 one to another.

[0074] 8. Insert threaded end of rack support rod 8 through centrally located aparture of connecting brace 7, and hook end of support rod through support eye clip 25 that is welded to top half of hub assembly 2, and then place washer and support rod nut 9 on rack support rod 8 and tighten until snug. Repeat this step until all four rods 8 are assembled.

[0075] 9. Connect adjustable hanging elements 5 to four element adjustment bolts 10, spaced equally to bottom of containment ring 4. Place desired size or shape waste container 16 & 17 in hanging elements 5, and check for desired fit to see if further adjustment is necessary. If further adjustment is necessary pull element adjustment bolts 10, and add or subtract lengths of chain 21 as necessary.

[0076] 10. Decide on stationary of spinning rack 24. If stationary rack 24 preferred, insert rack stop pin 11 through perfectly alligned appertures 20 of hub 2 and rack support post 1. If spinning rack 24 preferred, leave rack stop pin 11 out.

[0077] 11. Load up to four waste containers 16 & 17, in Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack 24.

[0078] List of Reference Numbers

[0079]1. support post

[0080]2. hub

[0081]3. support brackets

[0082]4. containment rings

[0083]5. tefflon washers or rotating bearings

[0084]6. rotating element

[0085]7. ring connecting brace

[0086]8. rack support rod

[0087]9. rack support rod nut

[0088]10. element adjustment bolt

[0089]11. rack stop pin

[0090]12. concrete footing

[0091]13. post footing bar

[0092]14. extended hollow tube

[0093]15. waste filled garbage bag

[0094]16. square waste container

[0095]17. round waste containers

[0096]18. access nut for greasing bearings

[0097]19. support post to rack connecting bolt and nut

[0098]20. horizonally drilled holes for rack stop pin

[0099]21. hanging chain container supporting elements

[0100]22. various connecting bolts

[0101]23. rack body

[0102]24. spinning multiple container containment rack: stationary or spinning

[0103]25. support eye clip 

What we claim as our invention is:
 1. A Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack comprising a support post made of a rigid enlongated hollow tube, with metal rod placed through alligned appertures in bottom of post placed in ground, with concrete poured to form footing, vertically anchoring post, which supports rotating rack body that comprises four equally spaced waste container support assemblies, that radiate horizontally from racks center to support and contain up to four waste containers off the ground in an oraganized manner.
 2. A Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack as claimed in claim 1, with a support post and hub, which is center piece of rack body, mounted on top of support post by sliding tubular shape of hub over post one within another, and placing nut on connecting bolt, which protrudes from top center of post, and passes through centrally local apperture in top of hub.
 3. A Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack as claimed in claim 1, with support post and hub with four like support brackets, connected to outside perimeter of hub assembly, horizontally, in radiating manner, and four like hanging elements connect to bottom of each round containment ring, equally spaced around circumference of containment ring, creating a net like basket, which molds to the shape of waste container placed in it, with complete support of bottom and sides of containers, with only handles of waste containers remaining uncontained above containment rings, for easy loading and unloading of waste containers.
 4. A Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack as claimed in claim 3, with containment ring and adjustable hanging elements, comprising a metal chain, which connects to containment ring to form a net like basket, which molds to shape of waste container placed in it, and is also capable of up and down adjustments, by simply pulling chain to containment ring connecting bolt, adding or subbtracting links, then returning bolt, thus allowing for different dimensions of waste containers to be used in rack.
 5. A Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack as claimed in claim 1, with a stationary vertical post and a rack body, with means for spinning rack body comprising tefflon washers or roller bearings placed between top of post and bottom of hub assembly.
 6. A Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack as claimed in claim 1, with a stationary vertical post and a rack body, with a means for stopping rotation of rack body, comprising a pin inserted through perfectly alligned appertures through both hub and top of support post.
 7. A Spinning Multiple Container Containment Rack as claimed in claim 1, with a stationary vertical post and a rack body with means for strengthening and supporting rack body by connecting a brace horizonally between each containment ring and then inserting bottom end of rack support rod through aperture in center of brace and other end of support rod which hooks through support eye clip welded to hub, thus putting support rod at an upward angle supporting rack body. 